WA News Council

ABOUT THE COUNCIL

What is the Washington News Council?
The Washington News Council is an independent, nonprofit, statewide organization whose members share a common belief that fair, accurate and balanced news media are vital to our democracy. We have been called an "Outside Ombudsman" or even "Better Business Bureau" for the news media in Washington state. We believe that a free press helps keep America strong, but with First Amendment rights come great responsibilities. We hold the news media publicly accountable for their performance, just as the media hold other institutions in our society publicly accountable. We also encourage open public dialogue among citizens and journalists regarding news media standards and ethics.

Who is on the Washington News Council?
Here is a list of our members.
Our members perform dual roles. They participate in formal hearings and vote on the validity of citizen complaints against the news media. They also serve as our board of directors, overseeing the organization's operations and finances. Media and Public members represent a wide range of backgrounds, professions and viewpoints.

How does the Washington News Council operate?
If readers, viewers or listeners feel personally damaged by stories that have been written or broadcast about them (or their organization), they may file a formal complaint with the Council. Complaints must address serious questions of journalistic fairness, accuracy or balance. The Council process is an alternative to litigation. Complainants must agree not to sue the media outlet for libel or other damages. We first urge complainants to seek a resolution with the media outlet -- a correction, clarification, letter to the editor, op-ed piece, or a meeting with reporters, editors or managers. If no resolution is possible, the Council may convene a formal complaint hearing, where both sides are invited to make their case in an open public setting. Council members vote on whether to uphold the complaint and publicize their decision to media statewide, which are also urged to cover the proceeding. Complaint hearings are videotaped and copies are available to the press and public.

Doesn't this violate the First Amendment?
No. The News Council is not a government agency. It has no legal authority to regulate, control or penalize the media. It's an independent, objective, nonpartisan organization formed by a group of concerned citizens. Half of the Council members are current or former media professionals. Participation in the council's review process is entirely voluntary. But the media have a strong incentive to participate because being more accountable to the public will make people more trustful of the media. Public-opinion surveys have shown that a strong majority of citizens believe a news council can help improve their local news media. Significantly, support is highest among those who believe their local media already do a good job of covering important issues, presenting facts accurately, and reporting news in a fair and balanced way.

Do this state's media support the News Council?
In addition to our Council members from the media, we have many individual members of the print, broadcast and online media supporting us around the state. We have invited all members of the media to get involved and help shape the council's activities. Many media members have participated in WNC panels or discussions, attended Gridiron West Dinners, and made financial donations to the Council.

Do any other states or countries have news councils?
The Minnesota News Council has existed since 1970. Hawaii has a news council, and several other states are considering the idea. Dozens of other countries around the world have had press councils for decades, including England, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and Canada. Most European and many African countries have press councils, and new ones are springing up worldwide. For a complete list of the world's press councils, click here.

How does it work in Minnesota?
Started by the Minnesota Newspaper Association, their council is widely respected and is supported by the media, corporations, foundations and individuals. The council has 24 members, half with some media background (including active reporters and editors) and half with civic, business, political, academic or other experience. The council holds several open public hearings a year to consider complaints. But since it began, only 8 percent of complaints have gone to a formal hearing, and half of those cases have been decided in favor of the media. It also holds seminars on media-related topics, publishes a newsletter, maintains a Web site, and hosts a cable-TV program. Their council is our model.

Who staffs the Washington News Council?
Our executive director is John Hamer, a longtime journalist and former member of The Seattle Times' editorial board. Kathy Schrier is our part-time executive assistant (and president of the Washington Journalism Education Association). Council board members regularly volunteer their time. We also hire student interns.